Sprinkle yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar over water in a large bowl. Stir to dissolve. Set aside for 5 minutes.

In a large mixing bowl, add the yeast mixture, remaining warm water, sugar, dried minced onion,oil, salt, wheat germ, and 1½ cups of flour.

Using a hand mixer, mix on medium speed for 2 minutes. You will have a loose batter at this point.

Using a wooden spoon, stir in the remaining flour. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, until doubled in size.

After the dough has doubled in size, mix with a spoon for 30 seconds.

Spread bread dough into a loaf pan that has been coated with non-stick cooking spray. Pat top of batter into shape with lightly floured hands.

Cover loaf with a towel and let rise until batter is about ½ inch from top of the pan.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Melt butter or margarine in a small microwave safe bowl in the microwave for 30 seconds. Place onion rings in the melted butter and toss to coat each ring.

Arrange onion rings on top of the dough, brushing the top with any remaining butter.

Bake bread for 35 minutes or until golden brown.